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Utica Community Schools, LTGI.net Partner On First Free App Made For Michigan School

UTICA (WWJ) -- Utica Community Schools and LTGI.net, a provider of online and mobile technology solutions for primary and secondary schools, have announced that Michigan's first K-12 free school app is now available at Apple and Android stores.

The app, which is updated several times daily with new content on the state's second largest school district, was first K-12 free smart phone or tablet app when it was launched in April 2012. The app remains the only educational app made exclusively in Michigan for a Michigan school district.

The app, UCS Mobile (named for Utica Community Schools), is now available both in the Apple Store and on the Android market for Apple iPhones, iPads and Android phones and tablets.

"UCS Mobile is another tool that allows our community to get updated information on our schools at any time," superintendent Dr. Christine Johns said. "Combined with our other social media sites, our parents and community can get the news they need directly from their phone or tablet."

The app allows interested parents, students and community members to get the latest news, calendars, school lunch menus, athletic results, contact numbers and other important information about Utica Community Schools.

Produced by LTGI.net, the app is free to download either on Apple or Android. During its initial launch a year ago, the app was developed in just 10 weeks for LTGI to create from concept to completion. LTGI.net and Utica Community Schools are also considering a possible future Windows smart phone version.

Utica Community Schools also uses LTGI's Applicant Central product for online employment applications and applicant management.

"Utica Community Schools is committed to transparency and providing real-time information to its entire school community," said LTGI.net President Troy Lindner. "We've worked side-by-side with all of our customers for the last decade creating solutions for fast and easy access to that information."

LTGI.net adopted a "Mobile First" design principle in late 2011. The Rochester-based company now begins every product development and revision with mobile devices in mind because of their increase in daily use.

"We believe that the ease, simplicity, and speed of mobile devices are promoting the trend toward consumers using these devices as their primary means of accessing school information," Lindner said. "Mobile devices will play an ever-increasing role for day-to-day parent, teacher and school communications."

More information on Utica Community Schools is available at http://www.uticak12.org or (248) 797-1000. To learn more about LTGI.net visit www.ltgi.net or call (248) 601-7300.

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